Florida Wide Right Turn Truck Accidents
Unfortunately, because of the size and weight of large trucks, truck accidents usually result in severe injuries or death. According to the NSC, in 2019, 118,000 large trucks were involved in accidents resulting in an injury. In the same year, the NSC estimates that over 5,000 people died in large-truck crashes. One common type of truck accident that results in severe injuries and even death occurs when a truck driver makes a wide right turn. Often, wide turn truck accidents occur because of negligence. Nevertheless, there are times when a third party can be held liable for a wide right-turn truck accident.
Read on to learn more about wide turn truck accidents.
Why Do Wide Right Turn Truck Accidents Occur?
According to the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA), trucks cannot make sharp turns or maneuver as easily as other cars. Trucks need a more extensive turning radius, particularly when attempting to make a right turn. Usually, trucks must swing wide to make a right turn, and if a truck driver fails to execute a turn safely, they might end up striking another truck, a car, motorcycle, or even a pedestrian.
It is especially tough to make wide turns on narrow roadways. This is because when making right turns, truck drivers veer into the left-hand lane first in order to create an ample turning radius. Considering a truck can extend for 50 feet or more, it is easy to understand why such circumstances often lead to accidents.
Two Common Types of Wide Right Turn Truck Accidents
One common type of wide right turn truck accident happens when a truck driver who wants to make a right turn swings too far out into the left-hand lane. When a truck swings too far out into the left-hand lane, it might end up colliding with oncoming vehicles.
Another common type of wide right turn truck accident occurs when a truck driver fails to go far enough to the left-hand lane before making a right turn. When a truck fails to go far enough to the left-hand lane before making a right turn, the chances are, a rollover accident will occur. Rollover accidents are among the most dangerous types of truck accidents.
Who Is Liable for a Wide Turn Truck Accident?
Often, truck drivers are found to be liable for wide turn truck accidents. However, while negligence on the part of the truck driver is usually the cause of a wide right turn truck accident, there are some circumstances that could result in another driver sharing the fault with the truck driver. Sometimes, even a trucking company can share liability for a wide right-turn truck accident. A trucking company could share liability if, for example, the company allows a driver with current or previous driving violations to operate a truck only for them to end up causing a wide turn accident.
Contact Us for Legal Help
After suffering severe injuries in a wide turn truck accident in Florida, you’ll need legal representation. Our Miami personal injury attorneys at The Pendas Law Firm are here to examine your case and help you determine whether you are eligible to file a personal injury claim against an at-fault party. Contact us today to schedule a consultation.
The Pendas Law Firm also represents clients in the Ocala, Tampa, Orlando, Jacksonville, Daytona Beach, Bradenton, Fort Myers, Fort Lauderdale, and West Palm Beach areas.
Resource:
injuryfacts.nsc.org/motor-vehicle/road-users/large-trucks/